The Templar Tower

The Templars reduced the defensive centre of Idanha to a small Castle, the Keep being the only visible vestige today. The tower was built in the mid-13^th century, as evidenced by the inscription of 1245 on the tympanum of the access door, on the second floor. Entry into the keep occurred through that same door, accessible by a movable staircase supported by a raised block, at the level of the threshold, which can still be seen today. Later, a door on the first floor was cut open, protected by a balcony located on the third floor, of which the supporting corbels remain. The Tower was erected on the podium of the forum's main Roman temple, from which the panelled masonry and frame were taken. This ancient Roman square, with the temple rising on one of the shorter sides, was composed of this elevated platform, supported by strong walls, to contain the embankment. The temple was located in the western third of the square and seems to have been dedicated to Jupiter, with the epigraphy bearing witness to the worship of Venus and Mars, which may perhaps have been associated with side temples. Although, it is probable that the entire complex was dedicated to imperial worship. At the rear, the foundations of a portico are visible. At the eastern top, there are small side access stairs and remnants of the massive front platform of the temple, where perhaps a large staircase might have been.